Genetics - Medicine

Genetic Testing Provides Information that Assists in Prevention, Treatment and Making Informed Decisions

We offer genetic screening, diagnosis, and counseling services for pediatric and adult patients as well as prenatal testing. Our staff follows a multidisciplinary approach to care and works closely with specialists from pediatrics and obstetrics. Our Genetics Division offers a range of comprehensive services, and is staffed by board-certified professionals in the fields of clinical and molecular genetics, and genetic counseling.

Laboratory Tests
A genetic evaluation frequently involves specific blood tests or other procedures. Maimonides uses several off-site laboratories for its genetic testing and every effort is made to send tests to a laboratory that participates in your medical insurance plan. Any necessary exceptions will be discussed with you prior to ordering the test.

Confidentiality
All records and diagnostic results are kept in the strictest confidence by the Division of Medical Genetics. Your records, or those of your child, will not be released or discussed with anyone without your written consent.

Common Questions

These questions have been compiled to help you determine if you or someone in your family may benefit from a genetics evaluation and counseling.

Why are genetic evaluation and counseling important?

It is estimated that two to three percent of all pregnancies result in a child with a birth defect, mental retardation and/or genetic disease. Although many of these problems are obvious at birth, some become evident later in childhood or in adulthood. Some common reasons for a referral to medical genetic services include:

When a child or adult has a medical and/or a learning problem, a genetics evaluation may be recommended to determine the cause and to help both the patient and the family adjust to the condition.

When a pregnant woman is concerned about the possibility of having a child with a serious medical condition, genetic counseling and testing may be advised to further assess that possibility.

When someone belongs to an ethnic group known to have a higher incidence of a certain genetic disease.

What is a genetic evaluation?

A typical genetic evaluation starts by meeting with a counselor to discuss the reason for referral, the patient and family’s concerns, as well as relevant family and medical history. Subsequently a medical geneticist performs an examination followed by a discussion between the genetics team and the family about the possible diagnosis and recommended tests and referrals.

The evaluation and diagnosis will also include a prognosis and other discussions about heredity and reproductive options.

Who can benefit from a genetic evaluation?

Children or adults with birth defects such as cleft lip/cleft palate, congenital heart defects or other physical malformations.

People with unexplained mental retardation, developmental delay or growth problems.

Individuals with known or suspected genetic conditions such as muscular dystrophy, sickle-cell anemia or Down syndrome.

What is genetic counseling?

During a genetic counseling session, a counselor will discuss your reasons for referral, your concerns and your family history. In many cases, blood tests can assess your risk for certain conditions. Medical procedures might be recommended during the pregnancy, and prenatal diagnosis may provide important information.

Who can benefit from genetic counseling?

Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy who are in their mid-thirties and older.

Pregnant women with abnormal screening tests or ultrasound results.

Women who have been exposed to certain drugs or medications during pregnancy.

Women with medical conditions such as diabetes, seizure disorders or lupus.

Individuals in ethnic groups that have a higher risk of certain genetic diseases, such as Tay-Sachs disease, sickle-cell anemia, thalassemia and cystic fibrosis.